What to do when you can't machine quilt???

[RachZ]

Please I need help with ideas
I have finished my tshirt quilt topper. I wanted to attempt to machine quilt but my machine isn't up to the task so what to do what to do??
Any ideas welcome

[IllineSmith]

Does anyone in your area have a long- or mid-arm machine they are willing to rent out? In my area we have a quilting shop that rents their long-arm for $25 an hour. That includes help from them with set-up, etc. They come and change the thread when necessary or whatever is needed. Well worth the money! You do the actual work but with the instruction it's a breeze and does a gorgeous job! The finished product looks like a totally professional job and you do it yourself!

[Sandy Navas]

I would tie the quilt - I do believe that the t-shirt quilts will lend themselves to that - just make sure you make your ties no more than 4-5 inches apart. It should not distract from the overall appearance of the quilt.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YK20gl3Amvo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kI6AcTqr-YM

[GrammaBabs]

tying is the best idea... also, you could stitch in the ditch,, but if you do,, you MUST use a walking foot...."ask me how i know"LOL

[lilmouse]

I agree with Sandy...tie the quilt...it works and will look very nice!

[ajs88]

Tying would be nice and quick

[aliaslaceygreen]

I tied the T shirt quilt I made...three years ago and its still looking good!
Pretty quilt, btw...

[brittyboo07]

nice job! I have never tied a quilt but these ladies know what they are talking about and if they suggest it then I say go for it! Just curious why you think your machine can not handle this?

[RachZ]

I have an old Janome from 1983 that my mum gave to me in a clear out she was having. It only does straight and zigzag and the needle position doesn't move it is fixed in the left position. I can't get a darning foot to fit it because all the feet are now made for a central needle position. I want a new machine but my hubby laughed at the 600 price tag I'm going to see if I can do the rental thing here I haven't ever heard of it before here but I'm great at being original! Plus if I get really good then I might get to stop teaching high school and quilt full time - A girl can dream!

[rebeccas-sewing]

You don't need to spend 600 bucks on a machine. There are lots of machines for sale that are half that. Janome makes some low-end models that work just fine. I bought a Bernina Bernette for my sister at Hancock Fabrics and it works great. I know Walmart carries some machines that I'm sure work fine as well. I think they're Singer machines. I have a little Janome Jem Gold that is actually for quilters. It came with a plate to cover the feed dogs, walking foot, etc. I think I only paid about $200 for it. I purchased it on-line. I use it when I travel and want to take a machine along with me.